Tottenham readying move for first valid James Maddison replacement
Tottenham Hotspur find themselves in a precarious position at the very start of the 2025/26 campaign, and their deficiencies in midfield creativity were on full display during the UEFA Supercup Final against Paris Saint-Germain. Spurs surrendered a lead on the big stage, and the lack of a natural playmaker was glaring. The club’s midfield orchestrator, James Maddison, is out for the long term after suffering a devastating ACL tear, while his stand-in, Dejan Kulusevski, has also been sidelined with a knee injury. Both absences have left a significant void in Thomas Frank’s squad at the worst possible moment.
The urgency of the situation is heightened by Tottenham’s recent failings in the transfer market. The club missed out on two prime targets in Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White, both of whom seemed attainable at different points in the window. Losing out on that calibre of Premier League-proven talent has only intensified the frustration among Spurs supporters. With less than 10 days remaining in the summer transfer window, there is a growing sense of panic that chairman Daniel Levy and the hierarchy will once again fail to back a manager, despite Frank’s impressive tactical nous and ability to get the best out of his players.
In their frantic search for reinforcements, Tottenham have scouted a wide range of attacking midfielders. Yet the options have been either financially out of reach or underwhelming in quality. Names like Tyler Dibling have been circulated, but such links have left supporters unimpressed. However, one potential target has resurfaced in recent days that could offer a realistic and exciting solution: Nico Paz.
According to a report from Fichajes MARCA journalist Diego Rico, Tottenham are actively preparing a transfer bid for Paz, who currently plays for Serie A side Como. The 20-year-old Argentine attacking midfielder enjoyed a breakout campaign in Italy last season, and Spurs are believed to view him as a serious candidate to solve their creative crisis. The complication lies in the fact that Real Madrid inserted a buy-back clause into Paz’s contract, which would allow them to reclaim him for just €9 million in the summer of 2026.
Tottenham’s task, therefore, would not only be to strike an agreement with Como but also to negotiate around Madrid’s clause. On paper, Madrid could have activated their option this summer for only €8 million following Paz’s six-goal, eight-assist season in Serie A. However, Los Blancos ultimately passed, with Xabi Alonso already overseeing a crowded midfield and banking on the emergence of Franco Mastantuono as their next teenage sensation. Even so, if Paz’s stock rises further, Madrid could change their stance, meaning Spurs would need to act decisively to secure full control of his future.
For Tottenham, the debate will be whether to pursue a proven Premier League talent or gamble on potential. Many fans remain adamant that the club must sign someone of Eze’s or Gibbs-White’s pedigree. Yet the market realities suggest those types of players are no longer available, and Spurs have historically fared well by recruiting top performers from other European leagues. The likes of Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, Guglielmo Vicario, and Dejan Kulusevski all arrived from Serie A and have become integral pieces of the squad.
Paz fits that mold perfectly. His numbers last season—six goals, eight assists, and an average of two successful dribbles per match—highlight both end product and flair. His age and upside suggest he could develop into a world-class playmaker, the exact profile Spurs are desperate for. Compared to names like Maghnes Akliouche or Tyler Dibling, Paz represents both immediate quality and long-term potential.
With the transfer window rapidly closing, Tottenham are running out of time and options. Landing Paz would require shrewd negotiating and perhaps a willingness to spend now in order to eliminate Madrid’s buy-back clause. But if they can pull it off, it may prove a smarter and more strategic move than the panic-driven alternatives currently circulating. For a squad already reeling from early setbacks, Nico Paz could be the playmaking spark that saves Spurs’ season.